This recipe is straightforward making it perfect for busy nights when you need a no-fuss dinner option that’s both satisfying and delicious. Whether you’re a beginner in the kitchen or someone who cooks regularly, you’ll find this stew easy to make and absolutely delicious. It’s the kind of meal that brings everyone to the table with some crusty bread in hand for a rustic, old-fashioned classic dinner.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Classic comfort food, with maximum flavor.
- Pearl onions are used for the best texture.
- Cooked in one pot for easy cleanup.
- Freezer friendly!
Our Beef Stew has all of the old-fashioned elements you’d want along with all of the flavor. This is pure comfort in a bowl with tender beef, hearty vegetables, and all the right herbs and spices.
This stew boasts a deep, savory flavor balanced with subtle hints of sweetness and spice, courtesy of a blend of herbs and our not-so-secret ingredient: Worcestershire sauce. The beef becomes fork-tender, melting in your mouth with every bite.
Ingredient Notes
Beef: We recommend a simple stew meat which is cubed chuck roast. Most grocery stores offer stew meat, already cut, near the butcher department. You can cube your own chuck roast, or use a similar cut like bottom round, top round, and brisket.
Potatoes: Red potatoes and Yukon Gold potatoes hold up better in a stew than russet potatoes, and they don’t even need peeling! Russet potatoes can become grainy due to their high starch content.
Pearl Onions: Raw pearl onions are seasonal, but you can always find them in the frozen section at your local grocery store. They have a nice, mild flavor, are already peeled, and ready to add whole into this stew. If you can’t find these little gems, a regular chopped white onion will also work, but trust me, pearl onions are worth hunting down for their unique texture and flavor.
Troubleshooting
- If the stew is too thin, add more cornstarch slurry and simmer until thickened.
- For stew that’s too thick, slowly stir in additional beef broth until desired consistency is reached.
- If the beef isn’t tender after the recommended cooking time, continue to simmer until it reaches the desired tenderness.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this comforting stew with dinner rolls for dipping or a light green salad for a balanced meal. It’s perfect for a cozy family dinner, a potluck, or a gathering where you want to offer a warm, welcoming dish.
Tips from the Chef
- Brown the beef well to develop deep flavors in the stew.
- Cut vegetables into uniform, bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
- Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed before serving.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Cool the stew to room temperature before transferring it to containers for storage.
Refrigerate in an airtight container for 3 to 4 days. Reheat on the stove over medium heat, adding a little water or broth if necessary to adjust consistency.
To freeze, transfer to an airtight freezer container or a resealable freezer bag. Remove as much air as possible and freeze for up to 3 months.
more favorite Stew recipes
Comforting Irish Stew
3 hrs 15 mins
Old Fashioned Chicken Stew
1 hr 5 mins
Instant Pot Beef Stew
1 hr 50 mins
Slow Cooker Irish Stew
6 hrs 15 mins
Watch the video below where Rachel will walk you through every step of this recipe. Sometimes it helps to have a visual, and we’ve always got you covered with our cooking show. You can find the complete collection of recipes on YouTube, Facebook Watch, or our Facebook Page, or right here on our website with their corresponding recipes.
I always use celery leaves for flavor..dry them in oven when you buy fresh cery in the oven on lowest te PM till they crumble..store in an airtight container..I even use them in potato salads and soups..great flavor..no complaints about celery chunks
What a great idea! I usually save mine for stock that I make and pressure can. But end up with too many. I’ll do this too now. THANK-YOU
Best stew since my Mother-in-law passed away. The flavor is amazing.
My first time ever making beef stew and I have to say, adding Worcestershire Sauce was the best idea ever. My family loved it. This recipe is a keeper. Thank you Rachel for sharing this comfort food recipe. God bless!
This is my new go to beef stew recipe. Great flavor in the broth and meat really tender . Thanks for another excellent recipe.
Hi Rachel,
One of my twins hates celery, but loves peas. Do you think I can add frozen peas instead? If yes, would you suggest I add them at the end?
Thank you
Celery is common to most stews, and we prefer it with the celery. However, you can omit when necessary. Peas should be fine, and yes, I would add them towards the end. Just make sure they’re heated through before serving.
The flavor celery gives, in combination with other ingredients, is so good. If it was me, I would put in long, whole pieces of celery, just for flavor, then pick it out & discard before serving.
Cannot say enough about this stew! Sooooooooo good! Thank you!
This looks yummy! If I make it I won’t make a slurry. Just dredge your stew meat in flour, fry in a little hot fat and place it in the Crock pot. It will create the thickener you need.
Can I freeze the leftovers
Yes, but if you are making just to freeze right away, wait to add the cornstarch slurry until ready to heat, otherwise it may separate after freezing. Freeze in either large glass jars or gallon sized Ziplock bags, leaving plenty of head space for expansion.
Thank you Rachel for this beef stew recipe. This time of year it’s so cold in the house and there’s nothing more comforting then to sit by the fireplace with a warm cup of stew in hand =)
I made this the other night and the kids loved it. Winner, winner!!
Wow, this stew looks fantastic!! Have just recently found your website, I just cooked up your Ancho chili beef recipe, was outstanding!! Thank you Rachel
I’ve been cooking for over 50+ years and this is the best, by far, the best beef stew I have ever made. I shouldn’t have been surprised b/c I make 99% of what I read on Stay at Home Chef. It’s absolutely heavenly and I have recommended this website to all of my friends. Just fantastic recipes…everything.